WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SCR 181

URGING THE COUNTY OF MAUI TO ADOPT ORDINANCES THAT ESTABLISH WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE SAFETY STANDARDS FOR PLANTATION TOWNS AND OTHER HIGH-RISK COMMUNITIES, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE COUNTY OF KAUAI'S ORDINANCE NO. PM-2025-425, RELATING TO THE PLANTATION CAMP DISTRICT WILDFIRE AND WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE, AND OTHER STATE AND NATIONAL WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE BEST PRACTICES.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Gabbard and 2 co-sponsors

Resolution urges Maui County to adopt wildfire safety standards for plantation towns using Kauai's ordinance as a model to reduce community fire risk.

Resolution scheduled to be heard by WAL on Thursday, 04-16-26 9:00AM in conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
#countyofkauai #countyofmaui #ordinances #wildfirehazards #wildland-urbaninterface
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SCR 181

Legislative bill overview

SCR 181 is a concurrent resolution urging Maui County to adopt wildfire safety ordinances for plantation towns and high-risk communities. The resolution references Kauai County's existing wildland-urban interface (WUI) ordinance as a model and calls for standards aligned with state and national best practices.

Why is this important

Hawaii experiences increasing wildfire threats due to climate conditions and aging infrastructure in rural communities. Establishing uniform WUI safety standards—such as defensible space requirements, building materials, and evacuation routes—can reduce property damage and loss of life in vulnerable plantation towns that historically lack modern safety infrastructure.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden on property owners: Mandatory safety upgrades (vegetation removal, roof reinforcement, etc.) could impose significant costs on residents in economically disadvantaged plantation communities, potentially leading to displacement or resistance.
  • Agricultural vs. residential land use conflicts: Plantation operations involve vegetation management that may conflict with WUI safety requirements, creating tension between agricultural preservation and fire prevention.
  • Implementation ambiguity: The resolution urges action but provides no enforcement mechanisms, funding sources, or timelines, leaving unclear how Maui County would translate this into enforceable ordinances or support affected communities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.